DMX dies, aged 50

DMX has died, a representative from the rapper’s family has told Pitchfork. 

The legendary New York rapper, born Earl Simmons, was hospitalised on 2nd April after suffering from an alleged drug overdose and subsequent heart attack. Pitchfork reports that a representative from his family shared a statement with the publication today, 9th April, confirming that he died in hospital. He was 50. 

The statement reads: “We are deeply saddened to announce today that our loved one, DMX, birth name of Earl Simmons, passed away at 50-years-old at White Plains Hospital with his family by his side after being placed on life support for the past few days. Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end. He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him. Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time. Please respect our privacy as we grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX. We will share information about his memorial service once details are finalized.”

DMX was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1970, and was raised in Yonkers, New York. He released his debut album, ‘It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot’ via Def Jam Records, in 1998, which featured hit single ‘Ruff Ryders' Anthem’. The album went to No.1 in the Billboard 200 chart in the U.S and sold over five million copies. Later that same year, he released another album, ‘Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood’, which also went to No.1, and has since gone Platinum four times. 

His 1999 album, ‘... And Then There Was X’ brought DMX’s career to new heights, and featured singles ‘Party Up’, ‘What’s My Name’ and ‘What These Bitches Want’. His career continued to flourish in the coming years, with well known singles including ‘X Gon’ Give It To Ya’ in 2003. DMX released his last album, ‘Undisputed’, in 2012.